I find this a perfect way to unpack a plant you may have recently purchased:

When unpacking your plant, please note:

1. Even though various plants like lots of light and heat, it can be shocked after being in a dark box. Make sure to gradually expose it to the proper light and heat. Never put it straight outside because that can cook the plant just as you can be sunburned when you do not have the proper sun tolerance.

2. Most plants prefer temperatures of at least 70 degrees F. But 80-90 would be most ideal. Anything below 70 degrees will affect the performance of your plant. Below 65, it will typically stop growing at all.

3. Transplanting can be a shock to the plant. Hold off transplanting until your plant has adapted to your new environment and looks stable. You do not want to add any new stresses to a plant that has just spent days in a box.

4. Certain plants like high humidity. Often subtle changes in humidity can cause leaves to drop. You can always put a clear bag over the top of the plant to increase the humidity- even in a dry area. This often helps to stabilize the plant.

5. Some plants leaves drop very easily. But as long as you still have healthy nodes, the leaves will grow back once it adjusts to your conditions. If the roots and stem are healthy, it is not uncommon for a plant that has lost all its leaves to grow back.

6. Certain plants do not like soils that are too acidic. Even though it may like nutrient-rich soils, soils rich in organic matter tend to be acidic. This may cause the leaves to lighten. You can use garden lime, gypsum or Epsom salt to help balance the soil ph.